Blackwood Valley fires are contained

Danny Mosconi from the Department of Environment and Conservation is the Incident Controller.

The fires began following an intensive thunderstorm that started just after 10pm last night, he told South West Mornings.

"The fires are small, the largest being 10 to 20 hectares," he says. An incident control centre has been set up in Kirup to coordinate the efforts of 134 personnel from DEC, DFES, FPC and the local volunteers who are working on containment lines around the fires.

"Four water bombers and a helitac are available," says Danny. DEC believes an eighth fire may be burning but have yet to pinpoint it.

None of the fires are threatening any properties or residential areas at this stage, he says, however, a diversion has been created along Southhampton Rd with the track closed between Spring Gully Rd and Southhampton Bridge.

"Given the temperature today, I'm hoping there wouldn't be too many out there."

Temperatures of around 40C are expected. " Winds could be variable and conditions could change," says Danny.

People should stay informed, listen to ABC for updates and check the DEC and DFES websites.

All the fires are currently contained, say Danny, "but while the winds are moderate, the terrain is very difficult for fire fighters to work in and there's also heavy fuel loads in some of those areas.

"If one of the fires does escape, it will provide a challenge for firefighters to bring under control.

"We'll be keeping a close watch and if conditions do change, we'll update our alerts."